PREFERS TEMPLE'S OFFENSE TO PRINCETON'S
The assumption going into Sunday was that Brian Westbrook would not play against the Giants, as the Eagles running back continued to recover from a concussion.
The assumption (from me, at least) was also that Westbrook's absence would mean an offense that relied on Donovan McNabb and the passing game to try and squeak out an ugly win over the Giants.
It didn't quite turn out that way.
24 runs. 23 passes.
180 yards on the ground. 7.5 yards per carry.
Numbers that make the average Eagles fan blush.
At the start, the rushing attack was ignited by an unlikely source: fullback Leonard Weaver. The offseason acquisition showed speed that few knew he possessed, breaking through the line of scrimmage for a 41-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. He had only four carries going into this game, but Andy Reid acted like it was no big deal that Weaver carried eight times for 75 yards.
"He's a guy who has been a primary ballcarrier when he was with Seattle, so we know he can carry the football," Reid said. "We've given it to him a few times, but obviously not much as today. Maybe we'll give it to him a couple more times."
Meanwhile, LeSean McCoy joined the party late with a 66-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Overall, he didn't consistently pick up yards. Take away the big run, and he carried 10 times for 16 yards. But when the Birds needed to run clock and put the game away, McCoy got it done.
I have to re-watch the game, but my initial impression is that he did OK as a blocker also. I don't remember him missing an assignment that cost the Eagles.
As for Westbrook, Reid sounded optimistic that he'd be back next week against the Cowboys.
"He actually feels pretty good right now," Reid said. "I kind of took a cautious route, but I think that it was important that we didn't force the issue."
